In the next few week Eye-Fi will release the free Direct Mode module that will allow instant pictures upload to iPhone, iPad or Android devices. See this Eye-Fi Pro 8GB SDHC X2 review for all other options offered by the X2 Wi-Fi cards.
Press release:
Today ThinkTank Photo announced a new Retrospective 5 bag. This is the first bag from ThinkTank especially designed for Micro Four Thirds or rangefinder camera systems. I got an early pre-production version few days ago and here are some images:
What can I win?
In this giveaway you can win a Digital Holga Ultimate Kit for Nikon or Canon DSLR from HolgaDirect.
How do I win?
The rules are simple:
OR
If you already “liked” both Facebook pages or you already are a follower on Twitter, you just need to leave a comment to this post. One comment per person please. Don’t forget to add your email address in the email field (it will not be visible to the public and it will only be used to notify you in case you are the winner). I will close all comments in one week and will randomly pick the winner. You will have the choice between Nikon or Canon mount.
The best part?
This giveaway is open to anyone and is not restricted to US residents only, everyone is welcomed to participate.
Good luck!
More info on Holga lenses for SLR cameras:
After the RE-35 April Fool’s prank, a group of students from Hongik University designed another “digital film” concept:
While we are on the digital film topic, you can read few interesting comments from someone who used to work for Silicon Film back in 2001 in this thread (search for Jon). I am expecting/hoping Jon will share some more details about Silicon Film in a future guest post since his NDA has already expired.
Via Yankodesign
Sigma filed a patent in Japan for a new 500mm f/4 lens. Sigma currently has a 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO HSM model that was announced back in 2005:
Samsung NX system
Samsung Russia confirmed that two new NX mirrorless cameras will be released this year: NX20 and NX 200, which will have higher MP count then their predecessors (NX10 and NX100 have 14.6MP). Samsung is not planning any weatherproof models.
Few weeks ago, a Korean website already broke the news of the upcoming NX20 and NX200 cameras. Samsung is also expected to release five new NX lenses.
Taken from this dpreview thread:
“Have had my X100 for a week now … puts any of the 4/3 compacts out their to shame. Pretty sure they have a winner here…and Fuji has confirmed an X300 next year that will have interchangeable lenses.”
“I’m in the pro photo supply biz…this is from Fuji. They have decided to pursue what they call the serious prosumer market. The plans are that in the fall they will release an X200…a simplified ‘p&s’ version of the x100. If these cameras do well they plan on the interchangeable lens version sometime next year.”
Maybe this is related to an earlier message from Fuji on Twitter? How about this tweet from yesterday:
According to PhotographyBay, Apple will announce a new version of their Final Cut Pro software on April 12th during the Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet in Las Vegas. In a typical Apple fashion, the new version is expected to be a “jaw-dropper”.
Several readers asked me if the RE35 digital film cartridge was real. RE35 website promised film sized cartridges with a new “Flexisensor” that can store images digitally and then upload them via USB to a computer. Here is the answer:
Good prank indeed! Check Wikipedia for more info on a related scam from 2001.
After the great Fuji X100 review (the third most viewed post in March), Dan shared his experineces with the Olympus XZ-1 camera. You can follow Dan in Twitter @ZDP189. Here is his review:
Olympus XZ-1 – stuck with it
Executive Summary
If money is no object, just about any normal consumer would buy an XZ-1 over the competition. It’s so tactile, the front lens element looks sooo big and it makes some great photos at the touch of a single button. Ricoh camera fans are not normal consumers. We want intuitive control, detail, the exact image we envisioned every time. The XZ-1 is not that camera.
Build Quality, Fit and Finish
The first thing that struck me about this camera is its beauty. It is slim, has subtle curves, and every surface is tacile. The ridges of your finger tips tingle at every touch. There is a sexy rubber thumb pad that you can’t help but rub. It has a fascinatingly enormous front element. The lens control ring feels cut, not moulded; the aluminium shell has the most sensual matt surface. It’s not particularly robust, but it’ll do. The top plate is brushed, coated aluminium. The shutter button has a machine turned finish. There’s glittering, sparkling logos and highlights. It’s positively bling city. It entices you to pick it up, use it and own it.
It’s a trap.
